As we predicted on Tuesday, Hawaiian Airlines just announced the end to change fees under almost all situations including mainland, interisland and international flights. Those traveling to and from Hawaii can now easily reschedule flights without cost. Also included is the ability to change award tickets. The carrier had previously been waiving change fees on a month by month basis during COVID-19.
“We know our guests’ plans change for a variety of reasons, and we want them to book a flight with confidence and the flexibility to travel when they are ready to take that special Hawaii vacation, visit friends and relatives or do business on our neighbor islands.” — Peter Ingram, Hawaiian Airlines President and CEO.
Starting September 3, 2020, the Hawaii bellwether eliminated these fees both for those who have purchased tickets and those who have redeemed HawaiianMiles.
Another reason to use caution when purchasing basic economy.
Those who purchase basic economy (termed Main Cabin Basic on Hawaiian), can change their flights without a change fee for tickets purchased through December 31, 2020. Thereafter change fees will apply.
This is the same situation as with Alaska Airlines. And because the difference in price between basic economy and regular economy on both carriers is typically small (up to $30).
Fare change rules still apply.
There will be few instances when Hawaii bound travelers will need to incur change fees. On the other hand, be aware that if you change to a date or a flight that has a higher cost, you will still be assessed a fare difference. Credits on changes to lower-cost flights should also be provided to customers.
Updated change fee rules on all airlines flying to Hawaii.
We updated the no change fee rules for all airlines offering Hawaii flights, effective today.
Disclosure: We receive a small commission on purchases from some of the links on Beat of Hawaii. These links cost you nothing and provide income necessary to offer our website to you. Mahalo! Privacy Policy and Disclosures.
Pam M says
Well done Beat of Hawaii! You called it, and Hawaiian Airlines listened.
I’m thankful that the change fees are gone.
It’s so hard to pay extra for having to try to keep up with the changes due to COVID-19.
Mahalo for being there for everyone!
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Pam.
Thanks for your nearly 50 comments. Much appreciated.
Aloha.
Lee S. says
This is great news, especially if we have to reschedule our March 2021 trip. Fortunately we didn’t have to pay change fees for the trips we cancelled for Mar/Apr, and Nov. 2020.
Thanks for keeping us informed.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Lee.
Thanks for your comments. Yes that’s good news industry-wide. We’ve gotten stuck with those fees and they were horrible.
Aloha.
Brad W says
I always use Hawaiian Airlines when I can but they don’t fly from Salt Lake City and we use to fly out of Oakland when we lived there.
We should remember it was United Airlines that started this… and of course Southwest Airlines that have never charged anything for making the change.